2023 GWM Ora new car review

The latest electric car from China has done something no other brand dares to do, and it’s very good news for Australian drivers.

2023 GWM Ora

Finally something is getting cheaper.

GWM is the latest maker to release a new cut-price EV into the Australian market, launching its new Ora small hatchback.

The brand made the bold move to slash thousands off the Ora’s price before it even launched.

It now starts from $39,990 before on-road costs for the Standard Range model.

In states such as NSW and Queensland, which have generous EV incentives and stamp duty discounts, the on-road price could even be cheaper than the recommended retail price.

The Ora is about $1000 more expensive than the rival MG4 and $1100 more than the upcoming BYD Dolphin.

The GWM Ora is the latest electric car to arrive in Australia.

A seven-year/unlimited warranty and a capped price servicing program that sets owners back just $99 a pop for five years are hard to beat as well.

The Ora’s cute, retro styling turns heads. There’s a touch of Volkswagen Beetle around the headlights and bonnet, while the choice of vibrant paint colours will appeal to younger buyers.

It’s slightly smaller than a VW Golf or Toyota Corolla, but feels roomier inside than similar-sized petrol cars.

There are four models in the line-up.

The Standard Range has a small 48kWh battery that delivers just 310km of driving range.

The Extended Range, which costs $6000 more, has a bigger 63kWh battery that boosts the range to 420km.

Prices start at below $40,000.

The better equipped Ultra model costs another $3000, while the range-topping GT variant is $51,990.

All models use the same single, front-mounted electric motor that delivers 126kW and 250Nm, while the batteries can be charged at a rate of 80kW via a DC fast charger. That’s well below the 350kW capacity of benchmark EVs from Kia and Hyundai.

Our Extended Range test car came with 18-inch alloy wheels, faux-leather, electronically adjustable seats, LED headlights and two-tone paint.

It has a 10.25-inch central touchscreen and digital driver’s display, smartphone mirroring and a wireless device charger. Connectivity is boosted further with USB points front and back, Bluetooth and a six-speaker stereo.

There are two battery sizes to choose from.

If you want heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, auto folding side mirrors and an auto tailgate then you’ll need to pony up for the Ultra or GT variants.

All models have adjustable regenerative braking and several driving modes including Normal, Eco, Sport and Eco+. The latter restricts top speed to mid-80km/h.

The cabin isn’t flashy but feels well built with nice touches such as contrast stitching on the seats and faux suede dash trim.

The interior is pleasant with plenty of tech features.

The infotainment touchscreen is set quite far back and requires drivers to lean forward to make adjustments. That process is made more difficult by the fact that all the main functions need to be performed via the screen, which can be fiddly on the move.

There is ample head, shoulder and leg room in both rows, but the boot is tiny.

Drivers also need to make do with a tyre repair kit in place of a spare.

Safety is top notch, with a wide array of active driver aids. A five-star crash rating, seven airbags and excellent adult protection rating add further peace of mind.

The Ora is at home in city driving.

Its 126kW and 250Nm are more than enough for zipping around town, while its compact proportions are ideal for tight carparks and inner city streets.

The Ora is ideally suited to urban driving.

Acceleration isn’t lightning fast, but it’s brisk enough off the mark. It had no problems accelerating up steep inclines or overtaking at motorway speeds.

It did feel less than inspiring at higher speeds, wandering around slightly in its lane.

But its low centre of gravity – thanks to the heavy batteries stored under the floor – gives the Ora a nicely planted feel through corners.

It resists leaning when asked to change directing, while the steering is predictable.

Well sorted suspension does an admirable job ironing out road imperfections of all shapes and sizes but it can become unsettled over consistent smaller bumps. Tyre roar and road noise is intrusive.

It’s compact and zippy and Extended Range versions have decent range.

The Extended Range model’s claim of 420km range felt accurate on our test, which included long stints on the motorway where EVs are at their least efficient.

VERDICT 3.5/5

The GWM Ora makes a strong case for urban drivers looking for an EV on a budget.

GWM ORA EXTENDED RANGE

PRICE: $45,990 plus on-road costs

MOTOR: Single electric motor and 63kWh battery, 126kW and 250Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING: Seven years/unlimited km, $495 over five years

SAFETY: Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic and driver fatigue alert, radar cruise control

RANGE: 420km

SPARE: Repair kit

LUGGAGE: 228 litres

Originally published as 2023 GWM Ora new car review